California Chrome wins 140th Kentucky Derby

2 years ago

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - California Chrome found another gear and pulled away down the stretch to win the 140th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Taking charge at the top of the lane, California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza made a decisive move late in the race and quickly sprinted clear. They finished the 1\ miles in 2:03.66.

The 5-2 favorite stretched his winning streak to five and Art Sherman, 77, became the oldest winning derby trainer. It was the second derby win for Espinoza, who rode war emblem to victory in 2002.

“I thought he rode him perfect. I never gave him any instructions. I just said, ‘you know this horse, go for it,’” Sherman said.

In a game dominated by millionaires and billionaires, this was a victory for the little guys. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an $8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to win the world's most famous race with their one-horse stable.

Espinoza had California Chrome sitting comfortably in third in the 19-horse field as Uncle Sigh and Chitu set the pace.

California Chrome made his move on the final turn in tandem with Samraat. It looked like those two would decide the outcome, until California Chrome sped away, winning by 1} lengths.